Modular alternative energy unit

ABSTRACT

A wind energy apparatus is made up of a plurality of modular wind energy devices or units. Each unit has a housing and at least two turbines mounted on the housing. Each of the turbines has a blade set extending upward from the housing. Each blade set has a vertical axis extending upward in relation to the housing. Each of the turbines has a generator connected thereto, each generator being disposed in the housing, and having a rotor and a stator. Each turbine is rotatably mounted with respect to the housing, and mounted to the rotor so that they rotate together. Each housing has a positive connector and negative connector on each side of the respective unit. The units, when placed together, connect their respective poles, positive and negative, together completing a circuit. Therefore, one may connect multiple units together.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuing application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/026,161, filed Sep. 13, 2013, which is becoming U.S. Pat.No. 8,823,194, which claims priority from Ser. No. 12/657,914 filed Jan.29, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,720, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/214,402, filed Apr. 23, 2009, all of which areincorporated by reference herein and priority is claimed from all ofwhich.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of apparatuses forconverting energy from flowing fluid into electricity or another powertype. Moreover, it pertains specifically to a modular, extensibleapparatus and system for converting wind, water or other fluid energyinto electricity or another form of mechanical energy. Accordingly, thepresent invention provides a solution to the shortcomings of prior windturbine systems, apparatuses, and methods, especially for low speed orurban winds.

2. Description of the Related Art

Alternative energy or renewable energy solutions and technologies havebeen explored including wind and solar for many decades. Yet, there is ahuge untapped market for these energy creation devices. The challenge offinite natural resources (fossil fuels, oil and coal) is not limited tothe United States. All countries are faced with this same problem givingrise to a worldwide need for economical, easy to use alternative energyproducts.

According to the World Energy Association, “The availability of windpower in the atmosphere is five times greater than the world's currentenergy consumption in all forms per year; yet wind energy currentlyproduces approximately 1% of the world's electricity use.”

To achieve a universal business and residential use device, it must notonly be economical, but also must be aesthetically pleasing, highlyefficient and easy to install.

A mass-produced renewable energy solution for residential and urbanapplications would be beneficial to all. However, creating deviceseconomically which take advantage of “small winds” (known in theindustry as Class 1, 2, 3) in a meaningful way is a great challenge. Oneproblem is that existing generators have a moment of inertia to overcometo begin generating electricity and small winds are typicallyinsufficient to overcome this state of rest. Moreover, urban andsuburban residential and commercial buildings often have strict codes toadhere to, and face practical limitations on the use of wind-power. Windturbines can be huge, and the dynamic forces of a spinning turbine aregreat. Use of such turbines in urban areas is dangerous.

Further, the industry has taught that wind with disruption, i.e.,turbulent flow around structures and near the ground (in the “boundarylayer”) is not useful or desirable. Accordingly, wind energy deviceshave been relegated to rural areas. For example, in rural areas, thereis sufficient room to build strong towers to hold the turbines up highwith no structures in the surrounding area which allows wind forces toflow without significant disruption (laminar flow).

These alternative energy solutions have traditionally been focused onlarge or utility scale applications such as: removing the need forexternal sources of energy for a home or office and using a system ofnet metering, selling unused energy back to the utility company and/orfeeding the energy directly into the public utility grid. Even a scaleddown version of a wind turbine can be tens of feet in diameter. Each ofthese cases ignores the vast amount of available energy in urbansettings.

According to an article dated Feb. 10, 2009 posted at News.cnet.comentitled “Study delivers blow to urban microwind turbines”, by MartinLaMonica, Southwest Wind Power, which makes a small wind pole-mountedturbine, suggests minimum requirements for installation which include aten mile-per-hour average wind and a twenty foot clearance above anyobstructions. Another article (entitled “Study: Microwind turbines atough sell in Mass.”) dated Mar. 17, 2009 by the same author at the sameweb site, teaches that even small turbines must be well aboveobstructions to get useful output.

Wind speed seen by the turbine varies with the turbine's height aboveground and any obstructions near the turbine. Trees, shrubs, buildingsand other obstructions retard the flow of the wind. Each doubling ofheight of the turbine arguably increases the power available by tenpercent. So the industry teaches increasing the height of the turbine toincrease available wind power by about two times, such as taught by PaulGipe, author of Wind Energy Come of Age.

In spite of the art teaching that it is not practical, what is needed isa way to take advantage of small winds, in a cost effective and energyefficient way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Small Wind:

The present inventors sought to enable one to economically takeadvantage of “small wind power”. “Small wind power” or “micro-wind”exists in urban areas and corridors where it is difficult to obtainpredictable, consistent, and large amounts of wind power on a regularbasis. Aside from natural wind flows, “wind rush” regularly seen inresidential areas between the tight corridors of buildings and rooftopsand “wind burst” created by automobiles passing on roadways, tunnels andoverpasses are untapped. This energy can be harnessed and used tosupplement the energy requirement of low power systems and equipment.

The places where the device may be used are limitless given its smallsize, such as a turbine with a blade height of 2 ft. to 5 ft, and bladeset width of about one-fourth to one half of the height. Accordingly,the device can be placed on rooftops, walls, or fence lines and beginsupplementing a user's electrical needs.

The compact and efficient nature of the device is designed to capturewind speed as low as about 2 m/s (about 4.5 mph).

The base containing multiple generators and having multiple turbinesthereon provides a unique way to take advantage of very low velocitywind, and where the wind is coming from any direction.

This power can then be harnessed and converted into a sustainable energyresource.

Wind Power Theory:

It is understood that the power generated by a fluid turbine isproportional to the area swept by its blades.

Usage of Multiple Smaller Generators as Opposed to Using One LargeGenerator:

The inventors believe that at a given rpm, the torque required to turnthree 50 W generators is smaller than the torque required to turn one150 W generator by a factor of three. Therefore, the “wind force”required in the former case (three generators of “x” watts) is onlyone-third that in case of the latter (one generator of “3x” watts).

Goals of at least some Preferred Embodiments

It is a goal, although not a requirement of the invention, that therelatively small, lightweight turbines on a vertical axis orientationwith relatively low power generators exhibiting low static moment ofinertia will generate energy substantially more of the time than thetypical large turbines, as much as two or four times as often, e.g.,60-90% of the time.

The devices are preferably light weight, modular and durable with faultand failure protection. The devices are designed to protect and shieldthe electrical components from the natural elements (rain, snow,pollution, etc.) as well as from debris.

Modularity:

The units are easily installed and can be snapped together or daisychained together to allow for greater total power generation capability.

Each device is preferably in a form like a “block” and built as astand-alone power unit with fault and failure controls. Additionalblocks can be “snapped” or connected together to increase electricalgeneration, creating a customizable power system.

The block structure is preferably fabricated with recycled plastics andutilizes mass production techniques such as injection or blow molding.Accordingly, it may be mass produced, unlike existing windmills. Thedevice, which the art teaches cannot be useful small, can be made smalland that enables mass production. Accordingly due to the smaller sizedturbines, bases and component parts, it may be mass produced unlikeexisting windmills. Further, the use of multiple turbines and generatorsprovides a reason for mass production.

The modular concept of the device enables each turbine to have any typeof blade design, and to be snapped in and out, e.g., using a key/locksystem. Two suitable blade designs are known as Darrieus or Savonius.Blade set design parameters—type and height/width, can be varied to meetthe needs of specific applications and installations. Blade sets,generators, and all or most parts are preferably made to beinterchangeable, and thus readily replaceable.

That each device is modular, such that it can be connected together(“cascaded”) by direct plug in to another identical device, or bydaisy-chaining (with a plug connector and wire), makes the device simplefor any customer to install.

Example Applications:

In one embodiment of the present invention, a wind capturing device (orunit) and system is available for a wide variety of uses. The device canbe placed on roof tops, fence lines, center-dividers of roadways, on thesides of buildings, any place where there is a source of wind power.

The electricity generated from each block or system of blocks can besafely used to power any device. The device can charge a portable cellphone, iPod®, video camera, laptop, or other small device, can drive aninverter, or the energy can be stored in a battery or other storageunit.

The inventive devices can be set up along roadway center dividers totake advantage of vehicle “wind burst” to power highway lighting systemsand emergency services. This power could even be provided to electricutility grids.

In another embodiment, devices that could power all common area lightingor communication services, especially around and/or on high-risebuildings.

Other Embodiments

The device may be made as a hybrid, either by making devices with smallsolar panels, which devices can work together with the wind-powereddevices, and/or by making the solar panels mountable on two or more windpowered devices. The solar energy capture and wind capture maycomplement each other, as winds typically pick up as the sun lowers onthe horizon.

The system may be embodied preferably as a “kit” which could include:

One device (two or three turbines or more on the base), and the samenumber of generators in the base); a power storage unit; smallelectrical devices; and cord(s).

In situations where it is desirable to provide power to the grid orreduce the power draw from the grid, a commercial off the shelf (COTS)inverter may be used. Due to the small size, mass production capability,and versatility of the devices, there are a myriad of possible uses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic exploded view of one type of alternative energydevice in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic view of another type of alternativeenergy device that has two turbines;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a device with a turbine having aDarrieus blade set;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a device with a turbine having a Savoniusblade set and Darrieus blade sets;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a generator of a type for use with energydevices of the invention and connection to a turbine;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing electrical components and wiring ofan alternative energy device;

FIGS. 6 and 7 show side and top views, respectively, of how devices cansnap fit together; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 show schematic end and top views of a device with a tongueand groove mechanical connection mechanism, and a spring loadedelectrical connection mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of one version of how a turbine fits ina rotor of a generator;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an alternative energy system inaccordance with a first system embodiment of the invention,incorporating various alternative energy devices having three turbinesin accordance with FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of an alternative energy system inaccordance with a second system embodiment of the invention,incorporating various alternative energy devices;

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of another type of alternative energy systemin accordance with a third system embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a schematic exploded view of alternative energy devicesshowing a grouping of such devices with a solar panel added thereto inaccordance with a fourth system embodiment; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of another type of alternative energy devicesystem in accordance with a fifth system embodiment;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Various exemplary embodiments of wind energy devices and systems aredescribed in detail with reference to the drawings, in which likereference numbers represent like elements.

It is to be understood that the Figures and descriptions included hereinillustrate and describe the elements that are of particular relevance tothe invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, otherelements found in typical turbines and turbine control systems.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods of operation of the invention aredescribed herein. Aspects of those embodiments may also be included inprocessor based apparatuses, multi-processor based systems, and articlesof manufacture that contain instructions which, when executed by aprocessor cause the processor to control operation of the invention. Anyreference in the specification to “one embodiment”, “a certainembodiment”, or any other references to an embodiment is intended toindicate that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment and may be utilized in other embodiments as well. Moreover,use of such terms in various places in the specification does notnecessarily mean that all refer to the same embodiment. References to“or” are intended as inclusive so “or” should be interpreted as“and/or”.

Devices

FIG. 1 shows a wind energy device 1 in accordance with a first preferredembodiment Each device 1 consists of a minimum of two or more turbines20, a housing having a bottom plate 3 and a cover 3 a, two or moregenerators 22, a printed circuit board (PCB) (shown and describedlater), and two or more shafts 60 tying together each paired set ofturbines 20 and generators 22.

The turbines 20 (or blade sets) preferably turn about a vertical axisthrough their centers. The housing (3,3 a) contains multiple (e.g., AC)generators 22 (one for each turbine). Each turbine shaft is directlyconnected (e.g., by a set screw) to its respective AC generator shaft.

FIG. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of a wind energy device with twoturbines 20 a and two generators 22 a on a housing having base 13 andcover 13 a. The turbines 20 a may be the same type as shown in FIG. 1,or different. As noted herein, the turbine shape for the vertical axisturbines is selectable in any embodiment, unless otherwise stated.

FIG. 2A shows an alternative device 1 b having three turbines 20 b.There is a housing having a base and also a cover 13 b. Device 1 b isotherwise the same as device 1. Contacts 13 c are visible at one end ofthe device.

Blade size, blade color and blade materials can be varied, andpreferably are user selectable. Preferably, the parts of the device arereplaceable. Housing shape, size and color can be varied as well.

The devices could have tabs on the base securing to a horizontal orvertical surface, or for securing to a diagonal surface or any surface.Further, the device need not be placed such that the turbine isvertical. The device can be mounted sideways or mounted upside down withthe base above the turbine.

The turbine blade design can be a known design. FIGS. 1 and 2 shows, forillustrative purposes only, turbines with Savonius-type blade sets, butthey could use Darrieus-type blades (see FIG. 2A) or a mixture (see FIG.3) or other types of blade sets.

FIG. 3 further shows a self-starting embodiment of a device 101 wheregenerators 103 also function as a motor, and/or where turbine 105 havinghelical (e.g., Savonius) blades is self-starting. There may also be abattery 109. In the case of a low wind, turbine 105 may start moreeasily than turbines 106 (Darius type blades). Therefore, shaft 105 astarts its generator, and then the other generators are operated asmotors to get shafts 106 a turning and thus turbines 106 turning.Accordingly, inertia of the generators and turbines can be overcome evenfor very low wind.

Battery 109 may store some local energy and be used to operategenerators as motors to get turbines 106 turning too. An onboard windsensor 109 a could be used to detect when sufficient wind exists to turnthe motors on. When there is enough wind, the operation of generators asmotors would change to cause the generators to produce power.

Generators and their Electrical and Mechanical Connections

A key to a most preferred embodiment is that there is a generator foreach turbine and the rotors are directly driven by the shafts of theturbines, meaning that there are no gears or gearing in such embodiment.In alternative embodiments, gearing, belts or pulleys, or the like maybe used to obtain higher speeds of the generator's rotor.

The generator design can be a known design, but a preferred design runsat lower rpm than typical generators and an example is disclosed hereinto meet the low rpm requirement.

With further reference to FIG. 1, base 3 and its cover 3 a fits thegenerators 22 and wires 28 passing in essence in series or parallel fromgenerator output to generator output. Wires 28, a positive and negativewire, also connect in series to input terminals 30 of a plug in end ofthe base and in series to output terminals 32 of the base. The base ispreferably waterproof and otherwise sealed from the elements, so that itmay be used outdoors. Further, the device is preferably low voltage, 48VDC or less.

Seals 26 for each generator's rotors to the base 3 help waterproof thedevice.

In addition, straps may be used to help mount the device. Other mountingmethods would be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In FIG. 4, there is a schematic view of a lower portion of one turbine(e.g., 22 or 22 a), including such turbine's shaft 60, which is on theturbine's vertical axis. The shaft has a bearing 41 through which itpasses to allow free rotation of the shaft. The bearing is disposed in aportion 12 of a top of housing cover 3 a (or 13 a). Each generator 22 ispart of a generator assembly, which includes a bearing 40 on which arotor 48 of the generator 22 sits and generator 22 itself. The bearingsmay be separate from or incorporated into the generator as an assembly.

Each generator is preferably a three phase alternating current axialflux generator. Each generator includes a plurality of coils 42, aplurality of permanent magnets 44, a stator 46, and a rotor 48, whichsits on bearing 40, and a plurality of stand offs 45. The bearing 40 isaffixed to a bottom portion 14 of housing base 3 (or 13). The shaft 60attaches not only to bearing 41 but also to bearing 40, as well as therotor 48, and the turbine itself. The stator 46 is held fixed by thestand offs 45, which are fixed to portion 14 of the base.

The turbine turns when pushed by the kinetic energy in the wind, andtransmits such wind power as mechanical power through shaft 60 to therotor, thereby turning the rotor 48. The spinning rotor 48 and permanentmagnets 44 create an alternating current and voltage in the coils 42.The resulting three phase alternating current is then rectified tocreate DC electrical power output.

Each generator 22 is driven by one of the turbines 20. Alternatingcurrent (AC) electrical power is generated and may be rectified todirect current (DC) using rectifier circuit 220. Each generator 22 maybe wired in a Star or Wye fashion or in a Delta fashion depending on therequired voltage and current needs of the system.

By way of example only, a suitable generator design could have thefollowing parameters:

Wind Speed (mph) 4.5 6.7 8.9 11.2 13.4 15.7 17.9 20.1 22.4 24.6 26.829.1 31.3 33.6 Rpm 58 87 116 145 174 203 231 260 289 318 347 376 405 434Power (W electrical) 0.4 1.5 3.5 7 12 19 28 40 56 74 96 123 153 189

One example of a device would have three generators, e.g., each of 50watts to provide a total of 150 watts of output. However, the devicescan be constructed with generator size and number varied as desired, andtherefore power output can vary as desired. The 50 watts per generatoris based on a one meter by one third meter squared swept area. In a lesspreferred embodiment, the turbines may be up to 1.5 meter tall, and onehalf meter diameter for a three quarter meter squared swept area.

Each unit 1 (or 1 a or 1 b) (unit 1 with three generators being shown inFIG. 5) includes generators 22, and the printed circuit board having arectifier circuit 220 for each generator, a controller 230 andconnectors 30 at one end (e.g., input end) and connectors 32 at theother end (e.g., output end).

Controller 230 preferably is capable of changing the Star or Deltawiring or each generator's 22 coils in real-time based on the systemrequirements. Controllers 230 also preferably connect in series orparallel the generator outputs to connectors 30, 32. Controller 230 alsopreferably can detect whether any external equipment is connected to thedevice (1 or 1 a or 1 b) and whether or not the external equipment is anelectrical source or sink. If controller 230 detects an external source,such as another device 1, controller 230 will know to receive electricalpower from input end connectors 30 and place total output power onto theother set of connectors 32 at the output end.

If controller 230 senses an electrical sink on a pair of connectors,e.g., connectors 32 at the output end (such as an external inverter),controller 230 may be programmed to negotiate with the inverter thevoltage requirements to be outputted from the device. If controller 230senses an electrical sink on a pair of connectors such as a battery, thecontroller can monitor the charge of any such external battery to avoidover charging it.

Each controller in each device may also be programmed to communicatewith all other controllers that are connected via the connectors 30, 32.The controllers can negotiate voltage output levels such that allconnected devices 1 (or 1 a, etc.) apply the same external voltage tothe next connected device. If sufficient devices are connected together,controllers 230 may need to raise the output voltage to reduce thetransmitted current. The controllers 230 may also transmit and receiveinformation from an external controller such as a website intended tomonitor the system health or weather conditions.

Each controller may also monitor wind speed and either open eachgenerator's electrical circuit or provide power to each generator 22 tomake the generator a motor and apply braking to the associated turbines20 (or 20 a, etc.). In either case, the object is to prevent generator22 from exceeding its rated power (which could damage the generator).

Device Modularity

FIGS. 6 and 7 show one way to have structure on the device housing forsnap-fitting the devices together. At one end of device 301 there wouldbe two electrical receptors 330, e.g., in a mechanical receptor 325 (agroove or cavity). At the other end would be two electrical plugs 332 orprongs to fit into electrical receptors of an adjacent device, and amechanical plug 335 sized to friction fit into a mechanical receptorlike receptor 325 of an adjacent device. Cords could also be made withelectrical plugs and receptors that fit the electrical receptors andplugs of the devices, so that multiple devices can be daisy-chained orsnap-fit selectively. Device 301 would otherwise be like device 1 andhave turbines 320 like turbines 20, generators, and other structuredisclosed herein.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a schematic view of a device with a tongue and groovemechanical connection mechanism, and a spring loaded electricalconnection mechanism. FIG. 8 is an end view of a device and FIG. 9 is atop view of the device. At one end of the device there are electricalcontacts 630, and in between those there is a groove 625. A tongue 635of another device fits into the groove 625 and is held there by a pin525 a which passes through the groove 625 and through a hole 635 a inthe tongue 1635. A nut 526 may be used to fasten the screw, if a screwis used. Contacts 630 may be formed by spring-loaded disks that matewith contacts 632 of the other device, when the pin or screw 525 a is inplace. Mounting holes 529 may be used to mount the device by screws,bolts or the like to a surface. FIG. 9 also shows an exemplary layout indashed lines of the electrical wires (positive and negative) andgenerators in circular solid lines, for reference.

Turbine and Generator Connection

As shown in the top schematic view of FIG. 10, there is a preferredembodiment for fitting the turbines in the generators so that they turnwith the rotor, yet can be readily inserted and removable for easyreplacement. There is a square “key” 1210 (or other noncircularsectional shape) which preferably extends the length of shaft 60,including the turbine and rotor. The shaft has a female cutout or slot107 of the key's sectional shape that fits in the shaft. The slot 107runs the length of the shaft from the top down to the bottom bearing 40(see FIG. 4) and the key then slides into the slot in the shaft. Theturbine 20 has a similar female version of the portion of the key thatfits in the turbine. The key also slides into the turbine, just like therotor. The rotor 48 and bearings 40 and 41 have similar slots toaccommodate the key. There may be a nut or other fastener at the top tohold the turbine from coming off vertically. The key is preferablystraight, because there is no need for a twist. The shaft 60 and keycould also be made as one piece.

Alternative Energy Systems using the Devices

As shown in FIG. 11, each device is preferably modular and may beconnected by a cord 5 containing electrical wires, or by directlyconnecting such as with plugs. The devices connected by cords 5 areshown with covers 3 a schematically and the devices 1301 connected bydirect connection are shown schematically.

On the left side of a structure's roof 6, there are three devicesconnected by cords 5, and on the right side are three devices that aredirectly connected. Depending upon the use, one or the other may bepreferred. For example, where the devices are aligned on a straightpath, direct connection may be preferred. Where the devices must beconnected at angles to each other, daisy-chaining using cords 5 ispreferred.

For the daisy-chain type device, there may be an outlet-style connectoror other female connector at one end of the device, and a plug or maletype connector at the other end. Each cord 5 would have a male connector5 a at one end and a female connector 5 b at the other, like anextension cord. The length of the cord would vary as desired or neededfor the application.

While the cords used preferably have plug in connectors, such as maleconnectors at one end and female connectors at the other, the power unitand/or the devices could be made with integral cords.

It is also most preferred that the alternative energy devices each beconstructed identically or at least identically at the ends. Therefore,even within one chain of devices, some can be daisy-chained and otherscan be snapped or friction fit together.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative energy system. The devices are constructedso as to be modular, and thereby allow addition of the small amounts ofenergy generated by each device, even though relatively small rotors(generators) are used. For example, each generator and turbine may besized and paired so as to produce fewer than 100 watts per generator,and so as to have their rotor's spin under 1000 RPMs.

FIG. 11 shows two sets of three devices. Each set is connected by a longcord 15 (or wire) to a power unit 17. The power unit 17 is generallyshaped like a standard power strip, but thicker, having multiple outlets17 a and may plug into a wall outlet 18. It also has a place to plug thelong cord 15 that at the other end is plugged into the alternativeenergy device(s), so that the power unit receives the electrical outputfrom them. The unit may contain a battery 17 b or batteries, charged bythe alternative energy devices, or there may be an inverter 17 c.

The power unit 17 has multiple outlets 17 a for electronic devices, suchas a cell phone charger, an iPod®, a laptop computer, to be plugged intofor power.

In FIG. 11, small devices such as laptop 19 a, a cell phone 19 b, aradio 19 c, a camera 19 d, another cell phone 19 e and an appliance(i.e., representing any small device, meaning a device or appliancetaking a relatively small amount of energy to run, on the order of acamera, cell phone, laptop, clock radio, or the like) are shown forillustrative purposes.

The power unit may also optionally have a plug for a regular electricaloutlet in the event of shortfall by the alternative energy devices inthe system. The power unit would also optionally and preferably have abattery, e.g., a lithium battery or batteries, to store excesselectrical energy received from the wind energy devices.

In FIG. 11 there is an alternative energy system for first floor 100 ofa structure 120 and one for second floor 140. Additional alternativeenergy systems could be added. Further devices can be plugged into thethree devices (e.g., devices 1301) or daisy chained to the other threedevices (having cover 3 a).

As noted above, each device captures very low wind energies, i.e., alight breeze, because it has multiple turbines and multiple generatorsin a unit, and is further assisted by the very lightweight of theturbine set especially where made of plastic. Use of a smaller generatorand smaller turbines lowers the energy needed to turn the turbines andovercome the inertia of the generator (windings). The devices mayoperate omni-directionally, i.e., with low wind coming in virtually anydirection.

The devices and system is preferably self-starting, i.e., starting withlow power winds. A helical blade arrangement is one way to facilitateself-starting, and other ways may be used. One could also provide a windsensor and a battery in each device, which battery starts the generatorsturning when wind speed reaches a sufficient amount to overcome thedynamic moment of inertia, even though insufficient to overcome thestatic moment of inertia. Further, e.g., in the embodiment of FIG. 12, ahybrid device having a solar panel could have a battery on board and usethe solar power to start the turbines when the wind speed reaches orexceeds the dynamic moment of inertia.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment, like the system of FIG. 11, but whereat least some of the alternative energy devices are hybrid and/or thesystem contains a mixture of devices. Specifically, in the daisy-chainof three devices (left side) there is one hybrid device 401 having asmall solar panel 403 (on a post 403 s) and two wind turbines 20 for onehousing 402. Therefore the device can generate at least some energyunder no wind conditions, as long as there is sufficient sun. In fact,that energy could be used to help start the turbines in low windconditions sufficient for keeping the moving turbine turning but notsufficient to overcome the movement of inertia of the generatorsassociated with the turbines. Another device is shown in the daisy-chainwith multiple solar panels 403 and having a housing 402 a. The solarpanels produce electrical energy, and so there is no need for agenerator in the base that would be associated with the solar panel.Rather, there would just be positive and negative terminals to which toconnect the positive and negative wires of the generators (that areassociated with the turbines) in series.

Also shown (right side on the roof of the structure) is a device havinga housing 402 b with three solar panels 403 on it, and two deviceshaving housings 402 c that support a larger solar panel 403 c on twoposts 403 b. Those devices could also have turbines thereon, and be ofan arrangement such as shown in FIG. 14, where there is a mountingbracket that can be attached to the bases of turbines, to support asolar panel.

FIG. 13 shows an arrangement where a solar power cell is used, which mayoptionally plug into a power unit that also receives power from a groupof the turbine alternative energy devices. Accordingly, each power unitmay have multiple inlets for a turbine set or sets and/or a solar set orsets. FIG. 14 also shows a sideways mounting of the devices 1 a (whichcould be devices 1 or other devices in accordance with the invention).

With reference to FIG. 14, a solar panel 800 is mounted on brackets 801that are supported by three alternative energy devices or units 1 b,which units may be the same or substantially the same as the units 1 or1 a, along with structure to support brackets 801, which structure forsupport would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Versatility and Stand-Alone Uses

As shown in FIG. 15, there are many stand-alone uses of the device andsystem. For example, uses include traffic speed displays, call boxes,security devices and lighting anywhere in a “closed system.” There are amyriad of other stand-alone uses, such as for powering Christmas lights,or an electronic billboard, portable power (for camping), on a buoy topower a light thereon. In such uses, as with the above embodiments, thedevice/system may be combined with solar energy for a hybrid system toprovide power under a greater variety of conditions.

For example, FIG. 15 shows a closed system 900 which may havealternative energy devices 1 mounted on a remote device 901, such as afreeway sign, billboard, street light, speed meter or video camera.There may be a battery 902 also mounted on remote device 901. There mayalso be supplemental solar power using a solar panel 903 connected tobattery 902. Battery 902 would then have a cable or wire 908 to pluginto the remote device. Remote device 901 may be mounted directly on theground, or by support 904 on a remote structure, device, vehicle orlocation 905, e.g., a highway, freeway median, pier, dock, farm, beach,boat, car, truck, lighthouse, buoy, building, tower, water tower, fence,high rise, camp site, tent, RV, tool shed, or other remote structure,device, vehicle or location.

Although the invention has been described using specific terms, devices,and/or methods, such description is for illustrative purposes of thepreferred embodiment(s) only. Changes may be made to the preferredembodiment(s) by those of ordinary skill in the art without departingfrom the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in thefollowing claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects ofthe preferred embodiment(s) generally may be interchanged in whole or inpart.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wind energy unit comprising: a. a housing; b.at least two turbines mounted on the housing each mounted on a bearing,each of the turbines having a blade set having a vertical axisorientation for rotation in the same rotational direction and extendingupward in relation to the housing; c. each of the turbines having agenerator connected thereto for generating electrical current inresponse to wind energy turning the turbines, each of the generators isdisposed in the housing; and d. wherein there is a positive contact anda negative contact disposed proximate a first end of the housing, and apositive contact and a negative contact proximate a second end of thehousing remote from the first end, for electrical connection to theelectrical current from the generator.
 2. The wind energy unit of claim1, wherein each of the turbines is directly connected to the rotor in aone to one rotational relationship.
 3. The wind energy unit of claim 1,wherein the housing has three turbines disposed along a line.
 4. Thewind energy unit of claim 1, further comprising a solar panel forproducing energy for use for starting the turbines when wind conditionsare insufficient for overcoming the moment of inertia of the generatorsassociated with the turbines.
 5. The wind energy unit of claim 1,wherein the wind energy unit supplies electrical energy to at least oneof a battery and an inverter.
 6. The wind energy unit of claim 1,wherein each of the turbines is no more than one and a half meters talland no more than one half meter in diameter.
 7. The wind energy unit ofclaim 1, wherein the positive and the negative contacts of the first endof the unit is adapted for being electrically connected to the positiveand the negative contacts, respectively, of the second end of anotherenergy unit.
 8. The wind energy unit of claim 1, further comprising asolar panel.
 9. The wind energy unit of claim 8, wherein the wind energyunit supplies electrical energy to at least one of a battery and aninverter.
 10. A wind energy unit comprising: a. a housing; b. at leasttwo turbines mounted on the housing each mounted on a bearing, each ofthe turbines having a blade set having a vertical axis orientation forrotation in the same rotational direction and extending upward inrelation to the housing; c. each of the turbines having a generatorconnected thereto and being directly connected to a rotor in a one toone rotational relationship of the generator for generating electricalcurrent in response to wind energy turning the turbines, each of thegenerators is disposed in the housing; d. wherein there is a positivecontact and a negative contact disposed proximate a first end of thehousing, and a positive contact and a negative contact proximate asecond end of the housing remote from the first end, for electricalconnection to the electrical current from the generators in the housing;and e. wherein the positive contact and negative contact at the firstend and at the second end each have means associated therewith forelectrical connection to positive and negative contacts of additionalwind energy units.
 11. The wind energy unit of claim 10, wherein thehousing has three turbines disposed along a line.
 12. The wind energyunit of claim 10, wherein the wind energy unit supplies electricalenergy to at least one of a battery and an inverter.
 13. The wind energyunit of claim 10, wherein each of the turbines is no more than one and ahalf meters tall and no more than one half meter in diameter.
 14. Thewind energy unit of claim 10, wherein each of the turbines and each ofthe rotors is designed to turn at no more than about 1000 RPMs, and eachof the generators is designed to produce no more than about 150 watts.15. The wind energy unit of claim 10, further comprising a solar panel.16. The wind energy unit of claim 15, wherein the wind energy unitsupplies electrical energy to at least one of a battery and an inverter.17. A lightweight portable modular wind energy unit comprising: a. ahousing; b. at least two turbines mounted on the housing each mounted ona bearing, each of the turbines having a blade set having a verticalaxis orientation for rotation in the same rotational direction andextending upward in relation to the housing, each of the housing and thetwo turbines being at least one of injection molded and blow-molded, andeach said blade set being unitary with an axis of each said turbine; c.each of the turbines having a generator connected thereto and beingdirectly connected to a rotor in a one to one rotational relationship ofthe generator for generating electrical current in response to windenergy turning the turbines, each of the generators is disposed in thehousing; d. wherein there is a positive contact and a negative contactdisposed proximate a first end of the housing, and a positive contactand a negative contact proximate a second end of the housing remote fromthe first end, for electrical connection to the electrical current fromthe generators in the housing; e. wherein the positive contact andnegative contact at the first end and at the second end each have meansassociated therewith for electrical connection to positive and negativecontacts of additional wind energy units; f. wherein each of theturbines is less than one and a half meters tall and less than one halfmeter in diameter; and g. a printed circuit board disposed in thehousing and electrically connected to each generator.
 18. The windenergy unit of claim 17, wherein the wind energy unit supplieselectrical energy to at least one of a battery and an inverter.
 19. Thewind energy unit of claim 17, further comprising a solar panel.
 20. Thewind energy unit of claim 19, wherein the wind energy unit supplieselectrical energy to at least one of a battery and an inverter.